The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) are likely to reach a final consensus, to form a broad political alliance to face the upcoming Presidential Election before the SLFP convention scheduled to be held on September 2.
The first round of talks between the leader of the SLFP, President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has been completed and the second round is due to commence shortly. Whether they reach a final consensus or not, will depend on the outcome of the discussions between the two leaders, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara told the Sunday Observer yesterday.
“We believe we should deliver a message to our party supporters at the convention. Therefore, efforts are being made to reach a consensus before September 2. However, it is up to President Maithripala Sirisena and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to arrive at a final decision. The President will keep the SLFP Central Committee informed on the final consensus so that further action could be pursued,” he said. Asked whether the SLFP will field its own candidate if the ongoing discussions between the two parties failed, MP Jayasekara said so far no decision has been taken in this regard.
‘It will be decided on the outcome of the discussions.’ Jayasekara further said, whatever the discussions there will be no room for the betrayal of the SLFP or its supporters to the SLPP. At present, attempts are being made to weaken the SLFP by certain SLPP frontliners. That has caused a serious impact on the SLFP. Therefore, we have to safeguard our MPs, local government members and supporters. During the discussions between the two parties, we should be able to reach a consensus considering the future prospects of the party as well as the country. We will have to face many challenges but we will give priority to the party and its supporters.
He said despite certain issues a large number of people have rallied around the SLFP. Nearly 1.4 million people voted for the SLFP at the last Local Government elections. Therefore, our task is to strengthen the party. Whoever the SLPP candidate is, he cannot win without the support of the SLFP. I hope the SLPP has understood this reality, he added.